The rookie mistakes padel players make

When you’re starting out in padel, it’s easy to fall into a few traps - some hilarious, some humbling, all part of the learning curve. This week, we don't down a bit of a rabbit hole, reading player experiences, digging through forums, and comparing notes to find the most common mistakes people make early on. Whether you’re new to the game or just need a reminder (guilty), here’s what stood out:

1. Swinging like it’s tennis

We’ve all seen it. That player who absolutely crushes the ball… straight into the glass. Or worse, over the fence. If you’ve played tennis before, this one’s a rite of passage. But padel isn’t about raw power. It’s about control. You’re not trying to hit a winner every time. You’re trying to build the point. Think chess, not Mortal Kombat.

2. Running into the net

A classic. You hit a decent shot and charge forward like Nadal on clay. Problem is, your opponent just played a perfect lob, and now you’re doing the backpedal of shame. Learn to read the lob.

3. Ignoring the walls

You paid for the whole court. Use it. The walls aren’t just there for show. Let the ball come to you. Learn the rebounds. Mastering the rebound is what separates good players from the best.

4. Not communicating with your partner

If your partner is also your life partner, this one hits harder. But whether you’re friends, strangers, or future spouses - talk. “Yours”, “mine”, “switch” - simple words save points (and relationships).

5. Playing too fast

Padel isn’t about rushing. That smash you’re dying to hit? Maybe hold off. The slow, lob-heavy player who just beat you 6–1? They’re not boring - they’re smart. Padel is about patience, positioning, and building the point. Play the percentage game.

6. Being out of position

You don’t win padel matches by chasing the ball. You win them by being in the right place before the ball even arrives. Good players look like they’re barely moving. Because they’re already there.

In summary:

Everyone makes mistakes. That’s how you learn. But if we had to pick one big lesson from all these - it’s this: padel rewards those who slow down, think, and adapt.

Oh, and one final mistake to avoid? Not subscribing to our newsletter 😉

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